SAS Rogue Heroes is set to return for a second season on BBC One, this time taking the action to mainland Europe. As we enter spring 1943, Paddy Mayne (portrayed by Jack O’Connell) assumes command of the SAS following the capture of David Stirling (played by Connor Swindells).
The regiment now needs to shift its focus to other global regions but, with GHQ harbouring doubts, the future of the regiment hangs in the balance. The formation of a new unit and an unexpected arrival further complicate matters.
Joining Paddy Mayne and David Stirling are a number of returning characters including Dominic West as Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Wrangel Clarke and Theo Barklem-Biggs as Reg Seekings.
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Also reprising their roles are Corin Silva as Jim Almonds, Jacob Ifan as Pat Riley, Jacob McCarthy as Johnny Cooper, Stuart Campbell as Bill Fraser, Bobby Schofield as Dave Kershaw and Sofia Boutella as Eve Mansour.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fresh faces joining the cast for the second instalment, which is now available on BBC iPlayer.
Bill Stirling in SAS Rogue Heroes season 2 -Credit:BBC
Bill Stirling – Gwilym Lee
In the series, Bill Stirling is David’s brother and is based on a real-life war hero who spearheaded a second branch of the SAS.
He is portrayed by Gwilym Lee, a 41 year old British actor recognised for his roles in Midsomer Murders and for playing Brian May in the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
Speaking about his new role, the star said: “I’ve loved being embraced by [the cast], it’s a really special job.”
“It can be tricky coming into a second series with a really established cast of actors and a great crew, as you worry about ruffling feathers or breaking into a clique, but there was none of that whatsoever.
“It was open arms from day one. It’s an incredible story we’re telling about some really brave and courageous people, and we all feel that weight of responsibility. There is a passion in everything we do in order to do justice to this story.”
British Commander General Montgomery – Con O’Neill
Montgomery is portrayed by Con O’Neill, a 58 year old English actor primarily recognised for his theatre work.
He took on the role of Michael “Mickey” Johnstone in the musical Blood Brothers, and his television appearances include Chernobyl, The Batman and Our Flag Means Death.
He will feature in the fifth episode of the new series of SAS Rogue Heroes.
SAS recruit Jock McDiarmid – Mark Rowley
Jock McDiarmid, a new recruit who challenges Paddy, is played by Mark Rowley.
Mark is a 34 year old Scottish actor famed for his roles in River City and The Spanish Princess.
Most recently, he portrayed Irish warrior Finan in Netflix’s The Last Kingdom.
Pat Riley, Bill Fraser and Jock McDiarmid -Credit:BBC
SAS recruit John Tonkin – Jack Barton
John Tonkin is brought to life by Jack Barton, known for his supporting role as David Nelson in the Netflix sensation, Heartstopper.
He has also been seen in Poor Things, War of the Worlds and The Letter for the King.
Paolo De Vita, Anna Manuelli, Edward Bennett, and Matteo Franco have been announced as the latest additions to the cast in roles yet to be revealed.
Speaking about the new additions, creator Steven Knight shared: “Our team are now in Italy facing a totally different challenge to the desert.”
“There are new people joining the regiment indeed there is a new regiment altogether, 2SAS and of course there are sparks and friction.”
“The main change, which again this is the truth and something reality throws at us, is that when David Stirling was captured his brother Bill Stirling became a very prominent part of the SAS and 2SAS.”
“Gwilym Lee’s performance is amazing as Bill Stirling; a man who is good, honourable, straightforward but feels this pressure because of his brother. David is renowned as ‘The Phantom Major’, he’s done all this stuff.”
“Bill as the older sibling has something of a sense of superiority and a desire to make the men respect him in the same way they respected David.”
“But there are lots of new characters and all of them heroes.”
Fans can catch SAS Rogue Heroes on BBC iPlayer.